J King Images Blog

The Hidden Cost of Using an Outdated Headshot

A first impression is everything, and when employers, or potential customers are scrolling through LinkedIn, social media, or company website the first thing that catches their eye is your headshot. Even with an amazing resume, an outdated headshot can cause you to get looked over. 

"My headshot is only five years old, why would I need to change it?" I hear this question all the time, but the truth is a lot can change in a short amount of time, and an outdated headshot can cause a disconnect between you and potential employers upon first meeting. 

Staying up to Date

We are in an age of constant progress. People are always looking for the next best thing, and on that same theme, employers and customers alike are looking for someone who stays up to date and changes with time. Your headshot shows off your online presence and what you bring to the table, an outdated headshot can make your resume and overall brand seem dated as well. The best rule of thumb to get an updated headshot every two years or so. 

Time Moves Faster than we Think

We've all been scrolling through social media and have come across someone that we haven't seen in a couple of years, we realize that we hardly recognize them. You see yourself in the mirror every single day, so small changes about yourself may go unnoticeable. For people that may not see you as often, these changes may look drastic. So, when it comes to headshots, the same thing applies. 

You have Evolved

As you grow in age, you typically grow in your company as well. Even if you look similar to the way you looked in your headshot you had taken as a junior associate or an entry level employee, you have grown in confidence in your field. Confidence comes across on camera, things like posture, facial expressions, and eye contact can all change as your confidence grows. Your professional headshot should grow with you, not work against you. 

First Impressions

In the business world a first impression can make or break you, and a headshot is just that. If you go in for an interview and you look different than your headshot on your LinkedIn profile or resume, employers will immediately notice. This sort of distraction and false pretense can throw off the entire interview. 

Research shows that people make a first impression within seconds, and if their initial impression of you is different from when they meet you in real life it may cause them to go in a different direction. You want your headshot to reflect the person and hard worker that you currently are, outdated photos might represent a false narrative of you. 

How to know when to update your headshot

There are a few factors that are relevant when considering whether it's time to update your headshot. It is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few ways to know that it may be time to book a session in the studio: 

  • Your headshot is over two years old – Generally every one to two years you should consider getting your headshot updated to represent the new you!
  • You have had a recent appearance change- This can be a change in hair color, a noticeable weight change, or any major physical change.
  • Your role changes- As your role changes in your company your headshot should as well.
  • You change industries- Different industries are looking for different clothing, confidence levels, etc. You should change with your industry.
  • You feel like the photo no longer accurately represents you.

Come see me

If you feel that your headshot could use a refresh, I am here to help. I will guide you through your portrait session to get you the headshot of your dreams! If you have any questions about getting your headshot done, feel free to contact me!

404-384-2794
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